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Leukocyte esterase (LE) is an esterase (a type of enzyme) produced by leukocytes (white blood cells). A leukocyte esterase test (LE test) is a urine test for the presence of white blood cells and other abnormalities associated with infection. White blood cells in the urine can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). Positive test results may ...
The test for leukocyte esterase is indicative and does not replace microscopic examination of urine. [19] It is normal to find up to 3 (occasionally 5) leukocytes per high power field (40X) in a urine sample, with women having slightly higher results owing to vaginal contamination. [citation needed] Higher numbers indicate urinary infection.
Leukocyte esterase, an enzyme found in granulocytes, is measured to estimate the concentration of white blood cells. [53] The action of the enzyme on chemicals in the test pad ends in the creation of a purple azo dye . [ 54 ]
A negative dipstick test does not exclude bacteriuria, as not all bacteria which can colonise the urinary tract are nitrate-reducing. The leukocyte esterase test indirectly detects the presence of leukocytes (white blood cells) in urine which can be associated with a urinary tract infection. In the elderly, the leukocyte esterase test is often ...
Conventionally, a leukocytosis exceeding 50,000 WBC/mm 3 with a significant increase in early neutrophil precursors is referred to as a leukemoid reaction. [2] The peripheral blood smear may show myelocytes, metamyelocytes, promyelocytes, and rarely myeloblasts; however, there is a mixture of early mature neutrophil precursors, in contrast to the immature forms typically seen in acute leukemia.
The principle of their operation is based on the detection of granulocytes esterases, including leukocytes. This method, however, is burdened with a large number of false positive results (use of antibiotics , such as imipenem , meropenem , clavulanic acid , which is sometimes combined with penicillin derivatives) or false negative ( gentamicin ...
In complicated or questionable cases, it may be useful to confirm the diagnosis via urinalysis, looking for the presence of urinary nitrites, white blood cells (leukocytes), or leukocyte esterase. [54] Another test, urine microscopy, looks for the presence of red blood cells, white blood cells, or bacteria.
A medical test is a medical procedure performed to detect, diagnose, or monitor diseases, disease processes, susceptibility, or to determine a course of treatment. Medical tests such as, physical and visual exams, diagnostic imaging, genetic testing, chemical and cellular analysis, relating to clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics, are typically performed in a medical setting.